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INEC insists on BVA’s, says no going back
The Commission also said that it’s policy of “No PVC, No Voting” would continue to subsist even as it urged registered voters to collect their PVCs to vote in the general elections and other elections.
The electoral umpire assured that it would continue to explore the use of technology such as BVAS in elections.
Speaking at a Media/Civil Society Organizations, CSO, Interface on Identifying and Mitigating Flashpoints of Electoral Misinformation and Disinformation organised by the International Press Centre, IPC, yesterday, in Abuja, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, the 2023 general election will be based on the Electoral Act 2022 which introduced new and creative innovation on the electoral ecosystem.
He said: “In furtherance of efforts to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, the Commission continues to explore the use of technology in our elections. One of such innovation in preparation for the 2023 general election is the replacement of the SCR with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to improve and strengthen the voter verification, authentication and accreditation process. The use of the BVAS for voter accreditation and authentication is irreversible and backed by law.”
Speaking on the issue of Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, Okoye added: “The collection of the Pe is an ongoing exercise. There remain uncollected PVCs from previous registrations. The Commission has developed Guidelines for PVC collection especially for those that registered between January 2022 and July 2022. The collection of the PVCs will start on the 12th day of December 2022 and end on the 22nd day of January 2023. The Commission’s policy of “No PVC, No Voting” will continue to subsist and registered voters should endeavour to collect their PVCs to vote in the 2023 general election and other elections.”
In recognition of the important role that stakeholders play in the electoral and political processes, the Commission in preparation for the 2023 general election, said it was engaging with political parties, civil society organizations, the media and security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICEES).
“Apart from the regular quarterly meetings, special meetings are convened to brief stakeholders and to discuss the important electoral issue of voter access to polling units, introduction of new electoral technologies and election security. These engagements have proved very useful in building trust and confidence in the electoral process. The Commission will also continue to engage with all stakeholders, including relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to seek areas of collaboration in improving the electoral process.”
He called on the critical stakeholders to rise and fight the spectre of misinformation and disinformation and resist deliberate falsehood aimed at delegitimizing the Commission and the electoral process .
While assuring that INEC would remain true to its commitment to openness and transparency, the electoral umpire said “it is important to verify information before sharing. The Commission believes that the antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
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